If you’re looking to keep your garden neat, tidy and effortlessly shaped, having the right hedge trimmer is essential. With so many models available today — from lightweight cordless hedge trimmers to heavy-duty gas-powered machines — knowing which tool is right for you can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between electric hedge trimmers and gas hedge trimmers, helping you confidently choose the model that best matches your hedges, working style and maintenance preferences.
Electric Hedge Trimmers: Lightweight Precision and Eco-Friendly Design
Electric hedge trimmers have become the go-to choice for modern homeowners, thanks to their light weight, quiet operation and ease of use. They are available in two main forms: corded and cordless.
Corded electric hedge trimmers require a constant connection to a power outlet, making them ideal for small or medium gardens where access to electricity is straightforward. They offer consistent cutting power and unlimited runtime — however, they are held back by the length of your extension cord and can be inconvenient when manoeuvring around flowerbeds or tree trunks.
Cordless hedge trimmers, on the other hand, offer full freedom of movement powered by rechargeable batteries. Models like the Wild Badger Power 20V 22-inch and 40V 24-inch hedge trimmers deliver excellent cutting performance while remaining highly portable. These trimmers typically run for up to 60 minutes per charge, giving you plenty of time to complete regular trimming sessions without the hassle of tangled cords. Their lightweight construction — as low as 5.6 lb — makes them comfortable to handle, while features such as dual-action laser-cut blades, anti-vibration technology, and ergonomic handles ensure precise and smooth cutting results.
Another significant advantage of electric hedge trimmers is their low maintenance requirement. Unlike gas models, electric trimmers do not need fuel mixing, spark plug replacement or oil changes. Maintenance tends to involve keeping the blades clean, ensuring the battery is charged, and storing the trimmer safely indoors. Most modern cordless hedge trimmers also come with reassuring support packages — such as 3-year warranties and 30-day money-back guarantees — which make them a safe and reliable long-term investment.
Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers: High Power for Heavy-Duty Work
Gas hedge trimmers remain popular among professional landscapers and homeowners who tackle thick, mature hedges in large gardens. These machines run on petrol (often mixed with oil) and deliver greater torque and cutting power compared with electric models. If you regularly trim hedges with thick branches — over 0.75 inch in diameter — a gas hedge trimmer may be your best bet.
One of the biggest benefits of gas machines is runtime. As long as you have fuel on hand, you can keep working all day. This makes them well-suited to large properties, commercial work, or situations where charging batteries mid-session would be impractical. However, gas hedge trimmers are significantly heavier than their electric counterparts (often weighing 8 lb or more), generate more vibration, and are also loud, making them less convenient for residential environments. Additionally, fuel fumes and emissions make them less environmentally friendly.
When it comes to maintenance, gas hedge trimmers require more attention. Owners must manage spark plug changes, air filter cleaning, pre-mixed fuel preparation and ongoing servicing to keep the motor running reliably. Starting them may also take more effort, with manual pull-cords replacing the simple ‘start button’ found on electric models.
Cutting Capacity and Blade Technology
Regardless of power source, the cutting efficiency of a hedge trimmer largely depends on its blade design. Most quality trimmers today feature dual-action blades, which move in opposite directions to reduce vibration while improving smoothness and speed of cut.
Cordless electric hedge trimmers like the Wild Badger Power range typically come with 22-inch to 24-inch blades, offering cutting capacities of 0.6 to 1.0 inch. This makes them perfect for boxwood, privet, holly, and most common garden shrubs. The Wild Badger Power 40V cordless hedge trimmer, for example, boasts a 24-inch laser-cut blade and up to 3,000 strokes per minute, ensuring fast and clean cuts, even on slightly thicker branches.
Gas trimmers can handle thicker branches with ease and often come equipped with longer blades (sometimes up to 30 inches). While this improves productivity for large hedgerows, it also adds weight and may feel bulky for users with smaller gardens.
Comfort, Safety & Handling
Another major factor when choosing a hedge trimmer is the overall user experience. Many electric hedge trimmers are designed with ergonomic grip zones, lightweight frames, and smooth startup mechanisms. Features such as rotating handles, bumper guards, and anti-vibration technology — found on upgraded cordless tools like the Wild Badger Power 20V — enhance safety and reduce fatigue.
Gas-powered hedge trimmers tend not to prioritise comfort as strongly as electric units. Their weight, vibration, and start-up force make them harder to control for extended periods, particularly for inexperienced users.
For most homeowners, the comfort and ease offered by electric hedge trimmers is a compelling reason to choose them over gas models.
Which Hedge Trimmer Should You Buy?
If you regularly manage large gardens, dense hedges, or need maximum power for professional-level trimming, a gas hedge trimmer remains an unbeatable option. While they are heavier and require more upkeep, their cutting strength and fuel-based runtime make them highly dependable for demanding jobs.
f your priority is portability, low maintenance, and precision cutting on small to medium-sized hedges, a cordless electric hedge trimmer like those in Wild Badger Power’s 20V and 40V range is almost always the smarter choice. These models are lightweight, efficient, and beginner-friendly — perfect for everyday garden care.